The Annual Meeting of the American Missionary Association will convene in the Central Congregational Church, Brooklyn (Dr. Behrends’), Oct. 30. For further information, see 4th page cover.
We present to our readers in this number of the Missionary a résumé, or broadside, on the Color-line. The interest of the public on the question at issue is manifest from the constant series of articles on the subject in the religious papers.
As to caste prejudice itself, we hold and wish to propagate pronounced opinions. We believe it to be a sin and a curse; a hindrance to Christian missions abroad, and a root of bitterness that will trouble us in this country till it be eradicated. It is a stone of stumbling to whites and blacks in the South, and an element of discord in the nation. We, therefore, give these extracts with the hope that they may promote the discussion and aid in its final and right settlement. There are some good men and true who have written on this subject in a tone other than we would adopt, but we give extracts representing their views.
On the far less important question as to which missionary societies shall do the work among the whites and blacks in the South, we do not now express an opinion, and have no wish to influence the opinions of anybody, believing, as we do, that no difficulties on this score are likely to arise. On this point, therefore, our extracts are made with the utmost endeavor at impartiality, presenting them simply as showing fairly the drift of public sentiment on the subject.
Our receipts from collections and donations during the ten months closing July 31, 1882, were $188,677.02; the collections and donations for the same months this year have been $164,652.04, a decrease of $24,024.98. The legacies for these months last year were $74,152.29, while for this year they have been $64,594.65, a decrease of $9,557.64. The total receipts for these months last year in collections, donations and legacies were $262,829.31, while for this year they have amounted to only $229,246.69, a decrease of $33,582.62.
The John Brown Steamer, a drawing of which is given herewith, will be ready for use at the Mendi Mission during the next dry season, which commences about November 1.